Hanyou Family Chapter 4: A new breeze through the Leaf.

"….."=speaking.

'…..'=thoughts.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Inuyasha. Their rights belong to Mamashi Kishimoto and Rumiko Takahashi, respectively.

Please, Read and Review.

"Wow!" Kagome cried in joyful amazement. It had taken the party of six people a week to travel to their destination, and now she gazed over the sprawling town beneath the Hokage Monument. "It looks like Mt. Rushmore in the United States of America! I really wanted to see it, some day! But this has to be better than it is! Those people really built this entire village, and their faces are meant to watch over and protect the village below, Kurenai-chan?"

The kunoichi beamed as her newest friend turned to face her. Over the week they had traveled together, the pair formed a fast friendship from their caring dispositions and Kagome's eagerness to learn about the village Kurenai cared so deeply about.

In a foil to his wife, Inuyasha was far more apprehensive. 'Those faces look like Ryukotsusei[1], while he was sealed within a mountain by the Old Man.' His anger at the stone-faces did not go unnoticed by Guy, Kakashi and Anko. While the four of them did gain varied amounts of respect for each other over the the past few days, the shinobi were apprehensive at the sight of his simmering anger.

'He's certainly a strong fighter, and likely more dangerous than I am," Kakashi humbly observed. 'If anything bad happens, it's going to be a handful. And I'll have to take care of it now the chakra-exhaustion has worn off,' the lazy ninja silently mused.

Dash-SWISH!

A tiny green tornado materialized. Distracting Inuyasha, before stopping a small distance from the group with both of his fists pumping up to shoulder height, head thrown back for a statement. "Alright! Now we are back in the village! I swore that if I could not pull-off this mission without getting injured, then I'd run 500 laps around the village, and climb the Hokage monument 200 times on my hands! This I must do to make-up for my unacceptable failure, and it cannot wait any longeeerr! YOSH!"

Kakashi spoke up. "Umm Guy. Shouldn't we talk to Hokage-sama about our mission and tell him about Kagome-san and Inuyasha-san first?"

Daaaaawwwwww! Errr! You're right Kakashi! First, we must report to Hokage-sama right away so I can began! But!"

A gleaming smile and thumbs up were given to his new acquaintances. "Inuysha-san! Kagome-chan! Afterwards. I, the Devilishly handsome beast of Konoha, promise to give the both of you a personal tour around our beautiful, youthful village! To make-up for my inappropriate negligence! Now follow me, and I will show you the way to the Hokage office!"

"YYYOOUUUTTTTHHHHH!"

Konoha's Eccentric Green Exasperation[2] took off at a sprint; tearing through the streets with a long cloud of dust in his wake. Anko groaned in resignation. Kurenai pressed her lips together in frustration. With a loud, long groan from Kakashi.

Inuyasha was gapping at what just transpired, Kagome's face was covered with shock. "Does he do that very often, Kurenai-chan?"

At her new friend's question, Kurenai drooped with resignation; her hand palming her face. "Far too often, Kagome-chan."

Yet, Kakashi had a very thoughtful expression.

'Hokage-sama probably will assign someone to shown them around the Village. But leaving the pair with Guy any longer might be a sadistic punishment. Maybe …' Kakashi began thinking. 'If I'm ordered to show them around Konoha and make sure no incidents happen while they stay here, then Guy won't be able to rope me into another one of his rivalry-challenges. This could work for me!'

"Unfortunately, Guy does have a point, Kurenai-san." Turning towards the group. "Let's talk to the gate-guards, then move to Sandiame-sama's office as soon as possible." Kakashi proposed, a smile clear through his mask.

Kagome smiled. "Thank you, Kakashi-san. Inuyasha, lets-oh!" The woman eyes caught a pair of twitching appendages.

"Hmmm? What's wrong Kagome?" She smiled softly at her husband's question. "You're ears, my love," she explained, reaching in to her jacket for a red bandana. She stepped behind her husband, tying it around to cover his ears. "We don't want to draw too many questions yet, or make anyone curious enough to pull on them, again."

The hanyou's eyes widened, before a slight smile crossed his face. "Thanks Kagome. But-Hey Wait!" Jerking his head around, a grumpy face met Kagome, while the bandana fell away. "Why didn't you bring one our earlier so Anko and Guy would stop trying to grab them! I could have really used that days ago! Gggggrrrrrrrrr!"

Kagome's irritation soon grew into a sweat-drop. "Whoops! Haha! I…Well I guess you could have! Sorry about!" With a smile of apology, she turned and began to walk towards the village gates.

"But you have one now. So why don't you just tie it on yourself and follow the Shinobi down to the village."

Anko was laughing at the couple's antics, while Kurenai beamed at the cute sight.

A few minutes later, the Konoha Shinobi and their companions were at the gates, where Guy had begun a series of hand-stand push-ups. After a few explanations, they were allowed to pass through, with a couple of thanks from the guards for saving the team earlier.

The couple gained a few curious glances as they walked through the streets, mixed into weary eyes and casual smiles. Inuyasha glanced around, taking-in the street lights, electric bulbs, apartments several stories high and certain playgrounds.

'This village looks a lot like Kagome's era did. At least there's one thing to make it a little easier. Maybe some Ninja-food will be here as well. I haven't had any for eleven years now!'

While Kagome herself was having similar thoughts. 'Hhmmmmmmm. At least staying here for a little while wouldn't be uncomfortable. They might have some care-products here and other luxuries I could take back for Songo, Miroku, their children and Lady Kaede. Plus, some extra running water wouldn't be amiss.'

"Hey, Kurenai-san. Do think we could do a little shopping sometime, if the Hokage allows us to stay for a few days?"

"Sure, Kagome-san. I'll make sure Kakashi will show you later!"

"Let's save the girl-talk for another time." Kakashi interjected. "We're here."

0…0

Hiruzen Sarutobi groaned at the effort. The God of Shinobi, Sensei of the Sannin, and longest-serving Kage in his village history was locked in a deep personal struggle. Against his most persistent and conniving adversary within the village.

Paperwork The Hokage noted order forms for new equipment, mission-records of the fresh Genin teams, a civilian request to build a swimming pool within the village, a recently destroyed training field, and preparations for him to travel to Sunagakure for the next Chunin Exams finals in 3 months. And more.

'That matters is finally settled,' placing one report away in his desk. Glancing at the clock, the elderly Kage noticed that another 2 hours would pass before he could take a break for lunch, or visit the Academy to check on the students.

'Kami. If I have ever done a great service for this village. Please send in a-'

THwump-thwump-thwump. "Hokage-sama?"

"Hmm. Yes, please come in," the Sarutobi replied to a knock on his door. As it opened, a young secretary named Yurika[3] stood in the doorway. "Team Kakashi has returned from their mission. They have a pair of foreigners with them who are eager to speak with you."

"Hmmmmm! Send them in, immediately. I will debrief them and see what their companions wish to speak of."

As Yurika nodded at his request, the Hokage let a smile of relief cross his withered face. 'Thank you, Kami.'

Steadily, Kakashi, Guy, Anko and Kurenai entered the office. Followed by a pair of younger adults. The Third Hokage eyed the new arrivals carefully, and noting their hands were conjoined. 'The young lady appears to be in her mid-20's, the man some years younger. Her attire is that of a miko, while her movements carry of grace of one accustomed to such a lifestyle. Yet her hands appear strong and supple, not delicate. He appears quite feral with-oh! Fangs in his mouth. A relative of the Inuzuka?'

"Hokage-sama," Kakashi addressed the seated leader. "Our mission against the rouge-ninja's near the Iwa border was successful, but narrowly ended in our deaths. The enemy were more numerous than the reports suggested, composing of 10 enemy ninja."

That news immediately caught the Sandime's full attention. Take a breath from his pipe to calm his growing nerves, the figure nodded for the story to continue.

"Three of the enemy were former Iwa Jonin, while the remainder were Chunin. After finding their camp, we attempted to retreat, but were discovered by a party returning from the opposite direction. During the fight, Guy-san and Anko-san were injured. Kurenai-san and I were driven to exhaustion. We managed to defeat seven of the enemy, but the Jonin still remained. I was about to order the others to retreat, when our new companions intervened."

Turning his head to the pair, Kagome and Inuyasha cautiously stepped forward. The pair could both feel deep spiritual power from the elderly Hokage. Far more than they had encountered since the death of Naraku.

"They ambushed two of the enemy Jonin, and defeated the third as she was trying to escape. Then offered healing to the four of us and stayed until we were recovered. We owe them our lives, Hokage-sama."

"Otherwise, the mission was a success. We have kept the bodies of the Jonin, along with one Chunin with the explosion-style Kekkei Genkai and the heads of the remaining rouge-Chunin. From the circumstances, we lacked the chakra or necessary storage to seal away each of the bodies." As Kakashi finished the report, Kurenai and Anko stepped forward, depositing the storage scrolls on the Hoakge's desk.

The Sandaime nodded at the gesture. Then summoned his ANBU to take the scrolls to the Intelligence division. As the Black-ops ninja arrived, Inuyasha grew tense. Kagome was equally surprised but gave his hand a comforting squeeze. She noticed how the other shinobi did not react with any hostility to the masked figures.

Once the ANBU had left, the Hokage's attention fell on the Demon couple.

"You have my deepest and sincerest thanks for saving my Ninja. I am Sarutobi Hiruzen, Sandaime Hokage of Konohagakure. The pair of you are welcome here, for your compassion and selflessness. Please, may I have your names?"

The warmth, gratitude and weight of his voice touched Inuyasha and Kagome. Both felt a soothing presence from the man, conveying the sincerity in his words. With a smile, Kagome spoke up. "My name is Higurashi Kagome. And this is my husband, Inuyasha. Hokage-sama. We have a lot that needs to be shared with you. Especially relating to how Inuyasha and I can return home."

HIruzen's eyes widen in confusion. "What problems do you have?"

"Hokage-sama," Kurenai spoke up. "After we became more acquainted with Kagome-san and Inuyasha-san, we made some startling discoveries. The sort that would be best to remain a secret from anyone who may overhear. And potentially a serious threat to the village."

The Hokage's expressed grew from surprise to focused concern. Glancing at the other Join present, each of them nodded at Kurenai's description. The Hokage request Kakashi to lock the door, then activated a series of privacy seals around the office.

Leaning forward with curiosity and anticipate, the Sandaime folded his hands. And the recount of the situation began.

2 full hours passed as Inuyasha and Kagome explained their identities, the worlds they came from, and how the pair had crossed to different eras between the Bone-eater's well. Adding details such as necromantic practices, demon tribes, and hostile encounters both had experienced in their lives. Culminating in their fight with on Konchu-no-o, discovering the Void Well, and arriving in their world with the fight between Kakashi's squad and rouge-nin nearby.

"Once we came close to the battle-site, Inuyasha and I waited silently to determine what was happening before making ourselves know. The Konoha ninjas were grouped together, while the remaining rouges were standing on a branch." Kagame was finished their story, clenched her empty fist at the memory.

"We heard one of them gloating about murdering innocent people and selling the body of Kakashi-san for some form of favour with their own village leader. That was clear enough to establish who was in need of our help, and who needed to be stopped. Inuyasha cut-down two of them from behind, before they used some strange power to bring a giant Whip-Scorpion to the site. Once both of them were destroyed, Kakashi-san lost consciousness. Kurenai-chan and Anko-san were wary of us, but needed our help. I healed them both and Guy-san, and we spent the night in a hotel within a nearby village. The next morning we gave them the same story that was just recounted to you, and went back to the Void well to investigate it."

The Hokage kept his eyes trained on the young woman. Searching her and made Kagome shuffle under his gaze.

'….well. This day has certainly taken an interesting development. I am certainly getting far too old to keep up with such revelations.' The Hokage took a few breaths of his pipe, remaining silent for several minutes. Making Inuyasha impatient.

"So. Do you believe us or not, old man! If not, you can ask the other ninjas here to make sure our story is the truth!" he shouted. Kurenai and Guy bristled at the man's disrespect. While Anko gaped at his audacity, and Kakashi was distracted.

"Hmmmmmm," the assemble party relaxed as the Hokage stirred. "Kakashi. Did your squad find anything to collaborate Kagome-san and Inuyasha-san's descriptions at this 'Void well?' And if so, please describe them."

Everyone eyes turned to….

…the man under a giggling blush. With his head buried in the latest copy of Make-out Paradise. Kagome noticed this as well, growling at the offending piece of literature. 'I can't believe that Kakashi-san just reads that lousy porn just out in the open like that. Hhhhhh. I should have just listened to Kurenai's advice when he offered to let me read it.'

During their travels together, the miko and Inuyasha had asked about Kakashi book. Rather than describing it aloud, the man offered it to them to read though. Inuyasha's face had grown redder than his cloak, and led to some muttered over different positions later with Kagome.

Recalling the incident, she spoke up to the Jonin. "~Kaaakaaaashiiii-saaan~"

"Hm?" the man replied, not taking his eyes off of his place.

"Do you…re-call what I…said about…taking…that..book…out…in…front…of….me?" Kagome request, her voice edgier than nails on a chalk-board. Forcing Kakashi's single good eye to widen. He promptly shut the book and packed it away, recalling the same woman trying to shoot it with her bow four days earlier.

"Hahahahaha! Sorry…Kagome-san. I'll…keep it away. From now on."

"Kakashi," the Sandaime growled in a whisper. "I just asked you if your trip to the Void well uncovered anything to confirm the accounts given by Kagome and Inuyasha."

"Ha! Don't bother asking him, Hokage-sama," Anko spoke up. Everyone's attention turned to her. Smirking at the attention, the young lady explained. "Everything they said is true. We found the well, and Kakashi suggested sending a couple of shadow-clones down to scout it. My clones jumped in found hundreds of different Kanji carved into the walls. After speaking about a couple of them, it found itself in a vortex and definitely emerged in a different location. Two different clones went down and found some…" SHUDDER. "Hostile encounters. Where they ended up."

"Kakashi suggested coming back here to go back with a larger squad in a while to explore all of the different dimensions through the well, and find the one where Kagome-san and Inuyasha-san came from."

With a nod, the God of Shinobi began to formulate new plans. "I see. Thank you for your descriptions, Anko-san. Thanks to it, I believe you are the best person to describe the events of the mission, and would like a written report of the mission and your discoveries made by tonight."

"WHAAAT!" The Hokage smirked at her reaction. 'That might remind her to think twice about overruling a mission leader. However, from Anko's reaction, going into details about what she found through the well clearly left her disturbed. As for our guests…'

"Guy-san."

"Yosh! Hokage-sama!"

"Please find Yamanaka Inoichi and inform him to come here immediately. I would like him to confirm the stories of our guests beyond even a shadow of a doubt. Then you are dismissed."

"What!" Anko cried indignantly.

"Yosh! Very well Hokage-sama. Please excuse me! Oh-and Kagome-san and Inuyasha!" The man threw a thumbs up, joined by the echo of a guitar in the background. "I shall join your later for the promised tour of our village! Once I complete my 500 laps! I wish you a very good day!"

The man calmly left the room, then broke into a sprint down the road.

"How come he gets to leave early, and I get the mission-report. That's a long way from fair, Hokage-sama!"

With a cunning grin, the Sandaime glanced at Anko. "Did you not notice how anxious he was growing during the course of this meeting? Any longer and the man may have roared out of this building to return to his own training without warning. While in your case, it is an obvious choice from your involvement with the Void well, and since Kakashi fell unconscious during the course of your mission."

Anko began to sulk, struggling to conceive of any counter to the Hokage's facts. While the leader of the village turned his attention back to the miko and her husband.

"Now, Inuyasha-san. Kagome-san. I have sent Guy to fetch the head of one of our ninja clans here in the village: Yamanaka Inoichi. Your story is quite far-fetched, but the evidence points to a large amount of truth to your words. The matter of this Void well is certainly a very concerning topic. As should any more hostile figures emerge from it, they could cause considerable damage to the people and land of our nation."

"I will help you return to your home. While Anko and Kakashi are certainly right that this well needs to be investigated. However…."

Kagome grew tense, hearing a change in the Hoakge's tone, while Inuyasha's hand twitched for his sword. But it had been left outside the office, rather than carry to weapon in the Hokage's presence. Something Kakashi and Kurenai spent 5 days persuading the hanyou to go along with during their return to the village.

"While I do believe your accounts. As the leader of this village the safety of Konoha must remain my first priority. I need to have even more evidence than what you have provided to justify sending a long-term mission to the well on the good faith of your words. Inoichi-san specializes in mind-reading techniques, whether invasive or voluntarily. Would one of you have any resistance to him taking a look through your memories to ensure beyond any doubt that you are being honest with me?"

"Once he can confirm that you have spoken the truth, then I will arrange for you both to have a comfortable stay here in the village until a specialized squad can be organized to help find your original home and ensure you return there unharmed."

This brought some different reactions to the couple. Kagome found it slightly aggravating, though reasonable. While Inuyasha understood the man's position, but was very resistant to having someone invade his mind. Eventually, Kagome volunteered for the mind-read, and only hoped that the man perform it would respect a degree of her mental privacy.

0….0

Elsewhere in Konohagakure. A group of four boys were lounging about in the academy kunai-practice arena.

"Ghhaaaaaaaa. This is the right way to spend a day here, huh! And Iruka sensei's a little too lame to think about looking for us here. Right Akamaru?"

"Rrhhhup!"

"Hahahahahaha! Yeah, you're right Kiba. And how's that manga you're reading?"

Naruto grinned at the other boy. The pair had decided to skip class and chill-out, in the one place the teacher would never think to look for them. They weren't alone either. A chubby boy was enjoying a quiet peaceful snack, and a fourth was napping on the ground.

"It's just a drag that there's no cloud in here. But still a good quiet place to just do nothing." Shikamaru Nara whined.

Kiba Inuzuka commented on the boy's laziness. While Choji continued to munch, and Naruto just enjoyed the good time, with the closest boys he spent time with. None were really any deep friends with him, but they were better than nothing. He smiled at the company, before drifting into a small nap.

0…0

Within the Hokage's office, Inuyasha twitched with anxiety. His eyes darted around, distrust lingering on the other occupants while his wife was being mentally investigated. Kagome herself was seated near the wall, with a tall, pale-blonde man resting a hand on the crown of her head.

It had been going on for 20 minutes since Inoichi had arrived, and Inuyasha was growing concerned for Kagome. Just when it couldn't remain quiet any longer…

Inuyasha rose to his feet, as Kagome's eyes fluttered open and Inoichi stepped back. The woman smiled lightly at Inoichi. "Thank you. For respecting my wishes over certain memories, Inoichi-san." The man smiled in acceptance and respect. Before turning to share his finding with the Hokage.

"Hokage-sama." The ninja grew more serious at the tone in his voice.

"I have triple-checked Kagome-san's memories. She and Inuyasha-san are nomads, from a very different dimension than ours. While Kagome-san herself was born in a separate place in time from him, and crossed over between them due to a uniquely powerful well. Similar to the one that brought them here."

With a nod, Hiruzen lit fresh tobacco in his pipe. "Thank you Inoichi. Now, we must plan on how to accommodate Kagome and Inuyasha's stay in our village. And address this revelation over the Void Well. While the bridge it forms to alternative worlds in truly amazing, the threat it could pose to our village can be a startling one. Fortunately, only our new guests have come through, rather than a more hostile individual."

"Actually, that may not be very true, Hokage-sama," Kagome addressed him.

"What do you mean, Kagome?" Inuyasha asked. As six pairs of curious eyes fixed on the young woman.

With a deep beath, Kagome organized the various thoughts she had mulled over for the past few days, and began to share them.

"I actually think that more people have passed through the Void well than you realize, to our home dimension specifically. This hypothesis is pretty clear from how we can understand each other so well. The moment we arrived here, Inuyasha and I could understand the language that all of you speak. If we came from dimensions completely cut-off from each other, then it would have been like a foreign country with different dialects. We'd probably need Inoichi's mind-jutsu to communicate with each other at all."

"Plus, Anko-san and Kurenai-chan both recognize what a miko is, showing that you have a very similar religion here as the one in our home. And beyond that, electricity, feudal lords known as daimyo, even samurai and ninja are present in both of our dimensions."

"This is just an idea. But perhaps multiple people have crossed over to our world specifically due to Void well and brought these cultural influences with them. Although, some things like chakra don't exist in our world, while you don't have tribes of demons roaming around."

Everyone gapped at the woman. Amazed by her intellect, and the strength of the evidence to support her explanations.

The Hokage was especially impressed. 'Hmmmm. A very sharp and mature mind is carried by Kagome-san. Very few would have given such details critical thought rather than disregarding them.I doubted anyone but Shukaku Nara and perhaps Minato would have been able to apprehend such apparent trivialities as vital facts.'

"I must say, you are very sharp and deeply thoughtful woman, Kagome-san. Evidently our worlds have had more contact than anyone realized, except for you. All the more reason to aid you and Inuyasha to return home, and set-up security measures around the Void Well should the worst happen in the future."

"However, it will take some time before you can return."

"What do you mean, Hokage?" Inuyasha spoke, cocking an eyebrow at the man.

"Yeah, what gives!" Anko cried out, mildly. "They saved our butts, so we've gotta repay them. Plus Kakashi and I can both make a few clones to take-care of the job. Just send us back out and we'll take care of the problem in less than a week."

"Anko. The Hokage must have his reasons. Or needs us on another mission somewhere else and will need to organize a different squad. Let's hear him out." chided Kurenai.

With a proud grin, the Sandaime continued. "Kurenai is correct. Each of the shinobi who were sent on this mission will require some time to recover from their injuries before I let you leave the village again too suddenly. In addition to searching for Kagome and Inuyasha's home, the team sent with them will be ordered to record every kanji within the well and the different worlds that they correspond to."

"It would likely take weeks to fulfill such a mission. It is impossible to examine the well so thoroughly within a single day without fatal chakra exhaustion. Nobody here or in the world can produce thousands of clones so carelessly."

All the while, Uzumaki Naruto Uzumaki failed yet another clone jutsu at the Academy.

Back in his office, the Sandime continued. "Kurenai. You were the only one in the group to avoid any injuries during the mission. In four days, you will lead a team of Chunin to the Void well along with Inuyasha and Kagome. On a B-rank mission to record the different dimensions of the Void well, and aid the latter in returning to their home. Until then, I will cover the expenses for them to stay in an apartment here in the village."

As the Shinobi nodded at his orders, the Hokage thought over his decision. 'Should anyone else discover the existence of this well, they may decide to travel to various worlds themselves and possibly draw more threats back to our village unintentionally. Danzo especially would advocate sending teams through the Void well to search for new weapons or powers for the village to use. But sending out multiple Jonin or an ANBU squad would certainly be noticed by him. The Chunin lead by Kurenai will be members of my own ANBU, under new identities. That should be enough to avoid any suspicion.'

"Hokage-sama." Hiruzen's focus returned to the present. To see Kagome before his desk, dragging Inuyasha behind her, and a deep smile adorning her face.

"Thank you. For aiding us to return home. And for the trouble of letting of stay here in your village for a handful of days. We are both deeply grateful for your hospitality." followed with a deep bow of respect.

Inuyasha smirked at his wife's familiar cordiality. "~Inuyaaashaaa.~ I said we both are deeply grateful. ~Right~?" A soft tremor shook his spine, followed hastily by another bow at the Hokage.

Three figures rose to their feet, as Hiruzen Sarutobi joined the couple. "It is the least I can do to express my own gratitude. Far too many times misinformation or unforeseen events have claimed the lives of those under my command. Your selfless intervention saved not only the mission, but also the lives of Kakashi, Kurenai, Guy and Anko. Along with many others who would likely have been killed by those rouge-ninja had they managed to escape."

"I hope you enjoy your stay here. I will not charge you for any necessities or services either, in light of your actions and the abundance of crucial knowledge we have gained thanks to you."

After finalizing a handful of details, most of the group left the Hokage's office while Inoichi stayed behind. Kakashi led them to a smaller office, with a request for the apartment keys the Hokage had promised the demon couple. After collecting them, the group moved through the doors of the Hokage Building, with the ladies chatting all the while.

"So you really lived in a medieval lifestyle for the last few years! Man, I need to take you shopping for some products, girl." Anko promised Kagome.

"Not so fast, Anko," Kurenai slyly chimed. "You did volunteer to write-up the mission-report for the Hokage, remember." After the purple-haired woman froze, Kurenai turned to Kagome.

"But, I know I could use a cup of sake after that mission, plus a few sticks of dango. Would you like to come along after seeing your apartment, Kagome?"

"DANGO!" Anko screeched with joy. "Oh, we are definitely going out for a nice time! You can bet your ass on that, Kagome."

As the kunoichi began to make plans, Kagome turned to her husband. Not wanting to drag him along for girl-talk, but also reluctant to leave him in a strange new village.

"Hey, Inuyasha," Kakashi spoke-up. "I'm not doing anything for the rest of day. Would you like a tour of the village while Kagome is out with Anko and Kurenai?"

The miko smiled at Kakashi's offer, before locking her eyes with Inuyasha. His concerned gaze met her pleading one, and that settled it.

Kakashi quickly showed the group to the apartments; a series of buildings owned by the Hokage

Position. Usually meant for housing ANBU squads or high-priority figures during their stay in the village. The building's simple, pristine appearance belied a more calculating function.

Security over the rooms inside was both thorough and detailed. From listening-devices to sensory-seals to detect chakra, chemicals, weapons and more. Nothing could happen inside without the Hokage and ANBU's immediate alert. For the safety of the occupants and to neutralize any hidden threats should they emerge.

Otherwise, it was very luxurious to Kagome and Inuyasha. Their rooms were on the 15th floor. It held a modern kitchen with all the necessary tools. Kagome nearly squealed at the sight of a working refrigerator. Plus, a comfy living-room with two couches and a television. One bedroom, plus an adjacent bathroom. And a narrow balcony through the living-room.

After looking over the place, and Kagome jumping back on a large Queen-size bed like a school girl, the group left the apartment for their separate errands.

And some very fateful encounters with a certain blonde demon-container.

End.

[1]-Ryukotsusei; the dragon demon that managed to cause the death of Inuyasha's father. For some time, he was sealed into a cliff.

[2]-My own original name for Might Guy.

[3]-Yurika. A Canon-character. The woman who decoded a message from Suna about Kazekage Gaara's capture in Shippuden episode 8.

I apologize for the months since this story was uploaded. I am a Master's student, and juggling writing with the demands of my degree and my job can result in the uploads becoming sporadic. Also, I was unsatisfied with the broader plans I had for this story and others. That I write. So, I spent most of my time rebuilding the outlines and developments of each story. I am finally happy with what I have planned and will hopefully be able to write more often than how before.

Especially since Kagome and Inuyasha will met Naruto in the next chapter.